Sedgemoor economy has bright future

“THE JOBS are coming” – that was the message at a packed economic development conference held in Bridgwater yesterday (November 14).

Around 140 potential investors heard from guest speakers from local, national and international businesses at The Exchange as they shared their experiences of bringing major projects to the district.

Talks were given by Mulberry, who is opening a warehouse next year, Bridgwater College about preparing for the future, Bridgwater Gateway, Yeo Valley, EDF Energy, National Grid and more.

Phillip Adams, economic development officer for Sedgemoor District Council, which organised the event, said: “There were more people than we expected and many are interested in investing in the area.

“There are ten land and property developers already developing things in Bridgwater and Highbridge, and that’s really something.

“The conference has been going for a few years now and in previous meetings we’ve been talking about what we want to see in Sedgemoor. Now we can actually see development happening.

“We’ve still got challenges, such as unemployment, but the jobs are coming.”

Councillor Gill Slocombe, Chairman of Sedgemoor District Council, opened the conference. She told the Mercury: “It was absolutely excellent. I’ve had nothing but positive feedback and people have said we should host the event more often.

“People didn’t realise how much economic growth there is in Sedgemoor and they were amazed. We heard from various businesses who talked about business strategy and they exchanged lots of great ideas.

“Sedgemoor is the fastest growing economic area in the South West and these people are driving the economy forward.”